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Caucus Chairs Urge DOJ
to Investigate the Murder of Trayvon Martin as Hate Crime,
Acknowledge the Opening of Investigation

Washington, DC: The Chairs of
the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and
Progressive Caucus released the following statements acknowledging
the Department of Justice's investigation into the shooting death of
unarmed 17 year old Trayvon Martin and urging them to pursue the
matter as a federal hate crime:

Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II -
The Congressional Black
Caucus

"I am encouraged by the initial actions
taken by Attorney General Eric Holder to ensure that the FBI opens
an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the senseless
shooting death of unarmed, 17 year-old Trayvon Martin. The handling
of this case compromises the integrity of our legal system and sets
a horrific precedent of vigilante justice. In far too many
instances, those who are meant to protect us and our children have
blatantly turned their backs on fairness and justice. Despite the
heroic efforts of Congresswoman Corrine Brown to help bring justice
to this family and surrounding community, the Sanford Police
Department has shown a blatant disregard for justice.

"I am urging the Department of Justice to
investigate Trayvon's death as a hate crime due to the fact that his
only crime seems to be the color of his skin. The Congressional
Black Caucus stands with our colleagues to continue the fight for
parity on the local, state, and federal levels."

Chairman Charlie Gonzalez -
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus

“I am relieved that Attorney General Eric
Holder and the Department of Justice are investigating the killing
of Trayvon Martin and taking the first step in seeking justice.
Though knowing their son’s death will be investigated can only
provide a small relief next to the enormous grief of losing a child,
the Department of Justice is sending a message to the Martin family
and to communities of color that our children’s lives have value and
deserve equal protection under the law.

“It is vital, for the preservation of
our basic notions of civil rights and trust in the legal system,
that we take a closer look at what transpired that night and the
Sanford Police Department’s actions. It is essential for the Martin
family, the residents of Sanford, for communities of color and for
the countless number of Americans across the country who have been
outraged by this tragedy. “

Chairwoman Judy Chu - The
Congressional Asian PACIFIC AmericanCaucus

“Trayvon
Martin was an unarmed victim killed in a senseless act of violence.
A thorough investigation is the only way we’ll ever know exactly
what led George Zimmerman to shoot Trayvon. Letting questions go
unanswered sets a dangerous precedent for vigilante behavior and
people acting irresponsibly on misguided and heavily prejudiced
suspicions. We have seen similar cases of violence in communities
around the nation and must confront these examples whenever and
wherever they occur. I am glad to hear the Justice Department has
made the right decision to investigate Trayvon’s murder. Americans
of all backgrounds deserve equal protection under the law, and I
join my Congressionalcolleagues in emphasizing how important
this investigation is.”

“Equal
justice is one of the building blocks of this country, no matter
where you came from or who you are. This young man deserved better,
and his family deserves more than an apology and a promise to do
better next time. Our nation was founded on the principle of justice
for all, not justice for some or justice some of the time. This case
challenges our commitment to that principle, and I share the hope of
millions of Americans around the country that we’re going to meet
that challenge.”

***

The Congressional
Black Caucus Calls for Department of Justice Investigation Into the
Shooting Death of Trayvon Martin

Washington, DC, March 19, 2012
- Chairman Emanuel Cleaver II, released the following statement
regarding the shooting death of Trayvon Martin calling for the
Justice Department to investigate:

"On February 26, 2012 Trayvon Martin,
an unarmed, 17 year-old African American boy, was shot and killed
while walking home from a local 7-Eleven. He only had $22, skittles
and a can of iced tea in his possession. Trayvon, who had no
criminal record, was described by his teacher as an 'A and B student who majored
in cheerfulness'.The gunman, self-appointed
neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, admits to killing Trayvon,
but claims he was acting in self-defense. Three weeks after Martin’s
death, Zimmerman was never arrested and remains free. I am outraged
by the way in which this case has been handled by the Sanford Police
Department in Florida. Those who are meant to protect us and our
children have blatantly turned their backs on fairness and justice.
Despite the heroic efforts of Congresswoman Brown to help bring
justice to this family and surrounding community, the Sanford Police
Department has shown blatant disregard for justice.

"We urge the Department of Justice to
immediately and thoroughly investigate the shooting death of Trayvon
Martin as a hate crime. This case compromises the integrity of our
legal system and sets a horrific precedent of vigilante justice.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus stand together in the name
of justice for Trayvon. As a nation we cannot, should not, and will
not ignore, Trayvon's brutal murder and the inconceivable fact that
his killer remains free.

"Contrary to the flippant way this
case has been handled, his life had meaning and purpose. Trayvon had
a family, friends and a future all taken away because of the color
of his skin. We will not stop until justice for Trayvon is served
because a life is a terrible thing to take."